Electronic device and information processing assembly comprising the same

ABSTRACT

An information processing assembly includes at least two electronic devices. A processing module is disposed in at least one electronic device. At least one male end connector and at least one female end connector are disposed on each electronic device. Specifications of the male end connector and those of the female end connector are matched with each other. The male end connector and the female end connector are each of thunderbolt specifications. The at least two electronic devices are mated to each other through the male end connector and the female end connector, so that one electronic device can obtain expanded function application from other connected electronic devices. The electronic devices with a tandem connection function can be directly mated and are electrically connected without other external wires, thereby saving the space occupied by the external wires and lowering the cost.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/537,338, filed Sep. 21, 2011, entitled “CONNECTOR,” by Wei Zen Lo, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Some references, if any, which may include patents, patent applications and various publications, may be cited and discussed in the description of this invention. The citation and/or discussion of such references, if any, is provided merely to clarify the description of the present invention and is not an admission that any such reference is “prior art” to the invention described herein. All references listed, cited and/or discussed in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and to the same extent as if each reference was individually incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly comprising the same, and more particularly to an information processing assembly in which electronic devices with a tandem connection function can implement multifunction directly through a tandem connection of mating ports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to expand multifunction applications of a computer, a lot of expansion interfaces with variable performance are generally disposed on an electronic device for external connections of other apparatuses. For example, an SCSI, an SATA, a USB, a FireWire and a PCI Express are disposed on a computer, so that apparatuses must be connected through external connection wires of different specifications, causing complex structures between the apparatuses.

In order to solve the foregoing problem, in recent yeas, Intel developed the thunderbolt technology, and by cooperating with Apple, proposed a computer using the thunderbolt technology. The thunderbolt technology is mainly used to connect a PC to other apparatuses, in which two mature technologies are integrated: a PCI Express data transmission technology and a DisplayPort display technology. Two channels can transmit the data using the two protocols at the same time, and each channel provides a two-way 10 Gbps bandwidth.

However, since the thunderbolt transmission lines are used, when many other external apparatuses are connected, many thunderbolt transmission lines also exist and occupies the space, and are easily twisted together. Moreover, the cost is high.

Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly comprising the same that are capable of being directly mated to other external electronic devices.

In one embodiment, an electronic device with a tandem connection function according to the present invention includes a body. The body has at least one processing module. A male end connector and a female end connector that are respectively connected to the processing module are disposed on the body. Specifications of the male end connector and those of the female end connector are matched with each other, and the male end connector and the female end connector are each of thunderbolt specifications.

Further, the body is disposed with an eject mechanism for ejecting the male end connector, so as to prevent the male end connector from being damaged.

Furthermore, the body is provided with at least one power supply connector around at least one of the male end connector and the female end connector, so as to provide additionally required power supply.

Furthermore, the body is provided with at least one positioning portion around at least one of the male end connector and the female end connector, so as to accurately position the electronic device.

Furthermore, the positioning portion is a protrusion post or a slot.

Furthermore, the positioning portion is located around the corresponding male end connector or female end connector and revolves to form a surrounding wall or relatively concave groove, so that the male end connector or the female end connector is not exposed and is protected.

Furthermore, the processing module is a central processor, a memory access module, an audio and video processing module, or a data transmission module.

In another embodiment, an information processing assembly includes at least two electronic devices. A processing module is disposed in at least one of the at least two electronic devices. At least one male end connector and at least one female end connector are disposed on each electronic device. Specifications of the male end connector and those of the female end connector are matched with each other. The male end connector and the female end connector are each of thunderbolt specifications. The at least two electronic devices are mated to each other through the male end connector and the female end connector.

Furthermore, the at least one electronic device is provided with more than two male end connectors and female end connectors located in different directions respectively, so as to implement different lines of function information processing assembly.

Furthermore, the at least two electronic devices are further each provided with a power supply connector. The power supply connectors are matched with each other, and when the male end connector and the female end connector of the two electronic devices are mated in a matching manner, the power supply connectors are mated at the same time, to provide required power supply.

Furthermore, the processing module is a central processor, a memory access module, an audio and video processing module, or a data transmission module.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an electronic device connected in series to the information processing assembly, to implement expanded multifunction application.

In one embodiment, an electronic device connected in series to the information processing assembly includes a body. The body is provided with at least two male end connectors of thunderbolt specifications for matting the information processing assembly in a matching manner.

Further, the body has at least one processing module, and the processing modules are connected to the two male end connectors respectively.

Furthermore, the body is disposed with an eject mechanism for ejecting the male end connectors, so as to prevent the male end connectors from being damaged.

Furthermore, the body is provided with at least one power supply connector around at least one of the male end connector and the female end connector, so as to provide additional power supply for the electronic device requiring power supply.

Furthermore, the processing module is a central processor, a memory access module, an audio and video processing module, or a data transmission module.

Compared with the related art, among other things, the electronic devices of the information processing assembly of the present invention are directly mated through the male end connector and the female end connector matched with each other, so that one electronic device can obtain expanded function application from other electronic devices, and the electronic devices can be directly mated and are electrically connected without other external wires, thereby saving the space occupied by the external wires and lowering the cost.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications therein may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment in which FIG. 1 is applied in an actual product;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment in which FIG. 1 is applied in an actual product; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment in which FIG. 1 is applied in an actual product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrative only since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like components throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, titles or subtitles may be used in the specification for the convenience of a reader, which shall have no influence on the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the information processing assembly includes a first electronic device 11 and a second electronic device 12 both having a tandem connection function.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the first electronic device 11 has a first body 110 and a first processing module 111 located in the first body 110. The first electronic device 11 is provided with a first male end connector 112 and a first female end connector 113. The first male end connector 112 and the first female end connector 113 are respectively connected to the first processing module 111. The first male end connector 112 and the first female end connector 113 are both of thunderbolt specifications. An interface type of the first male end connector 112 and that of the first female end connector 113 can be matched with each other.

Here, the first electronic device 11 has one first processing module 111. Alternatively, a plurality of first processing modules 111 may be disposed. For example, a plurality of cores, that is, a plurality of first processing modules 111, is disposed in a computer, such as two cores, four cores, or eight cores. The first processing modules 111 are classified into a central processor, a memory access module, an audio and video processing module, or a data transmission module according to their function. For example, a CPU in the computer belongs to the central processor. A mobile phone, a tablet computer, and an MP3/MP4 each have a central processor. The memory access module may be a memory disk, a graphics card, a memory card, a hard disk, or the like. The audio and video processing module is, for example, a microphone, a loudspeaker, an image, or the like that is frequently seen. The first electronic device 11 having the data transmission module may be, for example, a router in a network apparatus, a fax, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, the second electronic device 12 has a second body 120 and is also provided with a second male end connector 122 and a second female end connector 123. The second male end connector 122 and the second female end connector 123 are also of the thunderbolt specifications. In the same way, an interface type of the second male end connector 122 and that of the second female end connector 123 can be matched with each other. Specifications of the male end connectors or female end connectors disposed on the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 are matched with each other. In this way, the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 are mated to each other through the male end connectors and the female end connectors disposed thereon to form the information processing assembly. Alternatively, the second device may also have a second processing module 121, in which the second processing module 121 is the same as the first processing module 111.

FIGS. 5-7 are schematic diagrams for illustrating that the first electronic device 11 may be further connected in series to one or more electronic devices and is applied in an actual product. Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the electronic device may be a computer, an hd/dvd disk, a GPU, an LAN, a USB, a TV box, a battery, a router, a disk array, a screen, a power supply, or the like.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 are each disposed with an eject mechanism 126. When the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 are mated to each other, the first male end connector 112 is ejected out of the body 110 through the eject mechanism 126 to be mated to the second female end connector 123, or the second male end connector 122 is ejected out of the second body 120 through the eject mechanism 126 to be mated to the first female end connector 113. When the mating is not required, the first male end connector 112 and the second male end connector 122 are received in the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 respectively, thereby preventing the first male end connector 112 and the second male end connector 122 from being exposed to cause damage.

As shown in FIG. 1, at least one first positioning portion 114 is disposed on the body 110 of the first electronic device 11. The first positioning portion 114 is disposed around at least one of the first male end connector 112 and the first female end connector 113. The first positioning portion 114 and the first male end connector 112, or the first positioning portion 114 and the first female end connector 113 are located at the same side of the first body 110. In the same way, at least one second positioning portion 124 is disposed on the body 120 of the second electronic device 12. The second positioning portion 124 is disposed around at least one of the second male end connector 122 and the second female end connector 123. The second positioning portion 124 and the second male end connector 122, or the second positioning portion 124 and the second female end connector 123 are located at the same side of the second body 120. When male and female end connectors of the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 are mated to each other in a matching manner, the first positioning portion 114 is mated to the second positioning portion 124 matching the first positioning portion 114, so that the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 are positioned with respect to each other, thereby preventing deflection caused when the matched male and female end connectors of the second electronic device 12 and the first electronic device 11 are mated to each other, and further avoiding affecting the connection performance when the mated male and female end connectors are damaged. In this embodiment, the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 124 matching the first positioning portion 114 may be a protrusion post and a slot.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 124 matching the first positioning portion 114 may also be a surrounding wall and a groove. In this embodiment, a periphery of the second male end connector 122 revolves to form a surrounding wall, that is, the second positioning portion 124. A periphery of the first female end connector 113 revolves to form a relatively concave groove, that is, the first positioning portion 114. The male and female end connectors mated to and matched with each other are protected by using the groove and the surrounding wall, thereby avoiding damage due to factors such as external collision.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, at least one first power supply connector 115 may be disposed on the first electronic device 11. The first power supply connector 115 is located around at least one of the first male end connector 112 and the first female end connector 113. At least one second power supply connector 125 may be disposed on the second electronic device. The first power supply connector 115 and the second power supply connector 125 are matched with each other. The second power supply connector 125 is located around at least one of the second male end connector 122 and the second female end connector 123. In this embodiment, around the first male end connector 112 and the first female end connector 113, the first body 110 is provided with the first power supply connectors 115. Around the second male end connector 122 and the second female end connector 123, the second body 120 is also provided with the second power supply connectors 125. When the male and female end connectors of the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 are mated to each other in a matching manner, the first power supply connector 115 and the second power supply connector 125 are also mated at the same time, to provide required power supply, so a power supply device, such as a power supply connector of a Jack type, does not need to be disposed additionally. The disposing of the first power supply connector 115 and the second power supply connector 125 may further implement a positioning function, so the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 124 also do not need to be disposed.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of an electronic device with a tandem connection function and an information processing assembly of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the information processing assembly includes a first electronic device 11, two second electronic devices 12, and a third electronic device 13 connected in series to the foregoing information processing assembly. The first electronic device 11 is provided with two first male end connectors 112 and a first female end connector 113. The two first male end connectors 112 and the first female end connector 113 are located in three different directions of the first electronic device 11. Each of the second electronic devices 12 is provided with two second male end connectors 122 and a second female end connector 123. The third electronic device 13 is provided with a third body 130, at least one third processing module (not shown), and a third male end connector 132. The third processing module is the same as the foregoing first processing module 131, and may be a central processor, a memory access module, an audio and video processing module, or a data transmission module. Each male and female end connector on the first electronic device 11, the second electronic device 12, and the third electronic device 13 is of the thunderbolt specifications, and the male and the female end connectors are matched with each other. The two second electronic devices 12 and the third electronic device 13 are mated to the first electronic device 11 in three different directions. Through this design, various electronic devices meeting the conditions can be combined randomly, so as to satisfy the requirements of different users. For example, the first electronic device 11, the second electronic device 12, and the third electronic device 13 are an compact disk driver, a loudspeaker, and an MP3/MP4 respectively.

Further, the male end connectors of the first electronic device 11, the second electronic device 12, and the third electronic device 13 each may be disposed with an eject mechanism (not shown). When the male end connectors of the three electronic devices need to be mated, the first male end connector 112, the second male end connector 122, and the third male end connector 132 are ejected out of the electronic devices. At least one third power supply connector (not shown) may be further disposed on the third body 130 of the third electronic device 13.

Alternatively, when the information processing assembly includes three or more electronic devices with a tandem connection function, the electronic devices are mated to each other through matched male and female end connectors disposed on the electronic devices to implement a tandem connection. At least two electronic devices may be each provided with a power supply connector, in which the power supply connectors are matched with each other. In this way, the power supply connector only needs to be disposed on the electronic device requiring additional power supply.

In summary, the electronic device with a tandem connection function and the information processing assembly of the present invention, among other things, have the following advantages:

1. Since the first electronic device 11, the second electronic device 12, and the third electronic device 13 are mated to each other through male and female end connectors matched with each other, and external wires does not need to be additionally disposed to connect the electronic devices, thereby implementing multifunction application, saving the space occupied by the external wires, and lowering the cost.

2. Since the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 124 are disposed, deflection caused when the matched male and female end connectors of the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 are mated to each other can be prevented, thereby avoiding affecting the connection performance when the mated male and the female end connectors are damaged.

3. Since power supply connectors matched with each other are disposed on at least two mated electronic devices, a power supply requirement of each of the electronic devices or power supply requirements of some of the electronic devices can be met, and a power supply device, for example, a power supply connector of a Jack type, does not need to be disposed additionally, and the power supply connectors may further implement a positioning function.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The embodiments are chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to activate others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device with a tandem connection function, comprising: a body, having at least one processing module, wherein a male end connector and a female end connector that are respectively connected to the processing module are disposed on the body, specifications of the male end connector and those of the female end connector are matched with each other, and the male end connector and the female end connector are each of thunderbolt specifications.
 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the body is disposed with an eject mechanism for ejecting the male end connector.
 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the body is provided with at least one power supply connector around at least one of the male end connector and the female end connector.
 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the body is provided with at least one positioning portion around at least one of the male end connector and the female end connector.
 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the positioning portion is a protrusion post or a slot.
 6. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the positioning portion is located around the corresponding male end connector or female end connector and revolves to form a surrounding wall or a relatively concave groove.
 7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the processing module is a central processor, a memory access module, an audio and video processing module, or a data transmission module.
 8. An information processing assembly, comprising: at least two electronic devices, wherein a processing module is disposed in at least one of the at least two electronic devices, at least one male end connector and at least one female end connector are disposed on each electronic device, specifications of the male end connector and those of the female end connector on the electronic device are matched with each other, the male end connector and the female end connector are each of thunderbolt specifications, and the at least two electronic devices are mated to each other through the male end connector and the female end connector.
 9. The information processing assembly according to claim 8, wherein the at least one electronic device is provided with more than two male end connectors and female end connectors located in different directions respectively.
 10. The information processing assembly according to claim 8, wherein the at least two electronic devices are each provided with a power supply connector, the power supply connectors are matched with each other, and when the male end connector and the female end connector of the two electronic devices are mated in a matching manner, the power supply connectors are mated at the same time, to provide required power supply.
 11. The information processing assembly according to claim 8, wherein the processing module is a central processor, a memory access module, an audio and video processing module, or a data transmission module.
 12. An electronic device connected in series to the information processing assembly according to claim 8, comprising: a body, provided with at least two male end connectors of the thunderbolt specifications, wherein the male end connectors are used to be mated to the information processing assembly in a matching manner.
 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the body has at least one processing module, and the processing modules are connected to the two male end connectors respectively.
 14. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the body is disposed with an eject mechanism for ejecting the male end connector.
 15. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the body is provided with at least one power supply connector around at least one of the male end connector and the female end connector.
 16. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the processing module is a central processor, a memory access module, an audio and video processing module, or a data transmission module. 